[venom_op]

Hey guys,

So, I'm getting my hands on a spanking new BMW X3 F25 LCI facelift. Since BMW doesn't offer the X3 with the Adaptive LED Headlights in India, is it possible to acquire it from the UK or Australia and get it installed here?

Also, is it wise to do so?

My online search hasn't really fructified. SO any help will be much appreciated!!

[super.cars]

Does the OEM Xenons/Fog lamps support swivel (cornering) function ? If it does then my understanding is LED doesn't offer much extra compared to xenon. In fact I have seen the illumination provided by Xenons are better compared to LED in some of the reviews. The range (depth of space light) is similar with both. LED headlights are still evolving technology and does have longevity of the diodes to its advantage.

On a lighter note, this technology seems to benefit oncoming cars and the car ahead more than the driver . It does help to reduce glare significantly and there by avoiding accidents.

BMW's marketing video on LED adaptive headlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dvPZ3H1Vm4

[Akshay1234]

Venom, as mentioned on another thread. LEDs will be great, they will provide better illumination and add lots of nice features.

But if you want adaptive LEDs it is going to be a big task.

Yes it is possible, BUT it is going to be very expensive.

If you just want the LED lights without the adaptive system I'm sure that will be a lot easier, but then thats kind of pointless.

Since the Indian cars don't even have adaptive xenons, apart from just the headlamps, some control modules may have to be changed too, and even a camera will have to be added under the rearview mirror which will give you the auto high beam assist along with other adaptive functions.

[venom_op]

Wow. Seems like it's more trouble than it's worth! I am shocked to hear that BMW doesn't have the Adaptive lights! I thought it did!

I guess this has to do with the fact that the radar frequencies that are used by automobiles across the world are still banned in India. We really have to get with the times here!

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by venom_op

Wow. Seems like it's more trouble than it's worth! I am shocked to hear that BMW doesn't have the Adaptive lights! I thought it did!

I guess this has to do with the fact that the radar frequencies that are used by automobiles across the world are still banned in India. We really have to get with the times here!

It will be more trouble than its worth unfortunately.

BMW not giving adaptive lights is stupidity on their parts, and not because of any radar frequencies being blocked for the defence sector. The features which we miss out because of radar frequencies are things like adaptive cruise control.

[ajaypjayaraj]

I had almost convinced myself to upgrade to adaptive LED headlamps. Then I felt the same as Akshay said. It would be too much work and risk and would not really be worth all that pain especially on our roads where 95% of the cars drive permanently on high beams with rally bulbs, HIDs and many more additional auxiliary lamps focussed to intentionally dazzle oncoming traffic. Why would I invest so much with hardly any use. It is the camera (behind the IVRM near those RL sensors ) which detects traffic at night for adaptive light functioning, not the radar. Omission of such features are part of cost cutting to make up for the import duties paid by the maker in getting the car and its parts to India I guess. Axe the duties and then we can talk of features being omitted in India bound cars.

[Turbanator]

From my experience on new 530 D & 730 D - this is more of gimmick , LED are definitely better but I cannot say surely for this adaptive thing - it does turn with change in direction but by that time complete body has also moved in direction of turn , only time I can make out of this additional light is when I turn on very low speed or rotate steering on still . Regarding automatic switching to low / partial low - given the kind of high density of traffic we have on our roads , it stays mostly in low beam unlike the youtube demo videos where only occasional vehicle is shown

you can easily order regular LED & replace but it should cost a lot . What makes a manufacturer miss such things -
- Model Year small changes so car is fresh every Year
- Costs
- Pitch sales for higher Model ( N.A in this case as X3-30D is also missing )

[ajaypjayaraj]

I think we are discussing 2 things under the same topic. The camera I meant is for high beam assist. Adaptive cornering is dependent on steering inputs. While adaptive cornering lamps are quite helpful on winding roads, high beam assist might be of disadvantage on our roads as majority drives on high beams. The engineers who developed such systems would not be familiar with the non existing "road sense" in many places.

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

From my experience on new 530 D & 730 D - this is more of gimmick , LED are definitely better but I cannot say surely for this adaptive thing - it does turn with change in direction but by that time complete body has also moved in direction of turn , only time I can make out of this additional light is when I turn on very low speed or rotate steering on still . Regarding automatic switching to low / partial low - given the kind of high density of traffic we have on our roads , it stays mostly in low beam unlike the Youtube demo videos where only occasional vehicle is shown

you can easily order regular LED & replace but it should cost a lot . What makes a manufacturer miss such things -
- Model Year small changes so car is fresh every Year
- Costs
- Pitch sales for higher Model ( N.A in this case as X3-30D is also missing )

For the adaptive bit to work perfectly apparently the headlight knob has to be on auto, and the auto high beam assist which is a button on the edge of the indicator stick has to be pressed. Only then does the variable lighting work. Otherwise they will still turn with the wheel, etc. Do try it out and let us know.

[Turbanator]

nd the auto high beam assist which is a button on the edge of the indicator stick has to be pressed. Only then does the variable lighting work.

I always keep it in Auto , I have tried Auto assist using the button on stick , there is a small light on dash confirming this activation . Almost always lights goes to Dip position , am yet to experience kind of effects they show on videos - maybe because of traffic , let me try on some secluded road ( if at all I get a chance ) , have not experienced corner lighting on Auto assist though and will update on outcome

[venom_op]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

It will be more trouble than its worth unfortunately.

BMW not giving adaptive lights is stupidity on their parts, and not because of any radar frequencies being blocked for the defence sector. The features which we miss out because of radar frequencies are things like adaptive cruise control.

Aah. My bad! Mixed up my technologies! Oh well. I guess I'd better stick with the regular Xenons then!

Oh on a side note. Just ended up booking the X3 20d xLine in Deep sea Blue.